Wednesday 7-4-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Mike Lundin

Jul 04 '18, 8:10 PM in 10h
MLB | Giants vs Rockies
Play on: Giants +116 at 5Dimes

#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
The San Francisco Giants will be extremely motivated to deny NL West rival Colorado Rockies the joy of celebrating 4th of July with a three-game sweep home at Coors Field.
Giants are 8-2 in their last 10 during game 3 of a series while Rockies are 2-8 in their last 10 during game 3 of a series, and I think this is a favorable matchup for the visitors.
San Francisco left-hander Andrew Suarez (3-4, 4.18 ERA) has pitched very well of late. Suarez went 2-0 in six June starts, and in his last outing Friday at Arizona, he gave up just one run in six frames.
The Rockies turn to Tyler Anderson (5-3, 4.23 ERA) who threw a career-high eight scoreless innings with one walk and eight strikeouts Wednesday at Los Angeles, but note that he's 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in seven turns home at Coors Field on the season. The Giants are quite familiar with the right-hander as he's 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against SF.
Free pick on San Francisco Giants.

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MIT Simulator
Wed MLB Free Pick

Minnesota vs. Milwaukee, 07/04/2018 16:10 EDT

Money Line: -104 Minnesota

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

MIT Simulator Wednesday MLB Free Pick: Minnesota Twins Money Line (-) - The Twins got shutout 2-0 yesterday. That was just the 3rd time this season that Minnesota has been shutout and so far this season they've gone 2-0 off of a scoreless defeat. Also, since June 1st, the Twins are 4-1 when off of a loss where they were held to 1 run or less. This is a great bounce back value spot for staff ace Jose Berrios as he is off of his worst start of the season. Prior to the loss to the Cubs in his most recent start, Minnesota had won 6 of his last 8 starts and Berrios compiled a 2.05 ERA in these 8 outings. Milwaukee starter Chase Anderson is off of a win but the Brewers had lost 4 of his 5 prior starts. In his 6 starts prior to the win Anderson had a 5.23 ERA. The simulation forecast has the huge pitching edge making Minnesota a value play here at a pick'em price on the road. MIT Simulator Wednesday MLB Free Pick: Minnesota Twins Money Line (-)

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Tony Brown
Tonys *5 Mlb free pick

Cleveland vs. Kansas City, 07/04/2018 20:15 EDT

Total: +105/+9 Under

Sportsbook:
TopBet

Fp: can’t win if you can’t score royals lead the league in losses and rank at the bottom in runs scored ! With Cleveland doing alll the heavy lifting 10 runs to beat us will be a chore making the under my mlb top pick !

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Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

The Boston Red Sox continue to pick on National League opponents and can cap a three-game interleague sweep on Wednesday, when they visit the Washington Nationals for an Independence Day late-morning affair. The Red Sox took the opener in a nail-biter before utilizing three home runs in a much more comfortable 11-4 triumph on Tuesday.

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 in MLB

The Red Sox have claimed 17 of their last 19 interleague games - including 11 of the last 12 - and are 39-11 versus the NL since Sept 4, 2015. "A lot of guys stepped up," shortstop Xander Bogaerts - who slugged one of the three home runs for Boston - told reporters. "The weather's not the best. It's hot. It's better than cold. A lot of guys swung at good pitches and had good at-bats." The Nationals are losers of four straight and sit at .500 (42-42) for the first time since they were 17-17. They'll try to avoid falling below the even mark when they start Erick Fedde in the series finale opposite Eduardo Rodriguez.

TV: 11:05 a.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (9-3, 4.11 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00)

Rodriguez has lost two straight starts after winning six in a row, giving up nine earned runs in 10 innings during the skid. The 25-year-old Venezuelan registered a total of four strikeouts in the back-to-back losses after fanning 90 batters over his first 77 2/3 frames. Rodriguez never has faced the Nationals but is 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 10 career interleague starts.

Fedde has surrendered at least three runs in each of his first five starts with the Nationals, giving up a season-high five in five innings of a win at Philadelphia his last time out. Opponents have recorded nine doubles and five home runs in 27 frames against the 25-year-old. Fedde made back-to-back interleague starts last month against the New York Yankees, yielding seven runs and 13 hits while striking out seven in 10 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox OF-DH J.D. Martinez hit his 26th home run - tops in the major leagues - in Tuesday's win.

2. Boston 1B Mitch Moreland left the 11-4 victory with back spasms and is not expected to play Wednesday.

3. Nationals RF Bryce Harper has collected two homers, eight walks and five runs scored over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Nationals 4

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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i

The New York Yankees continue nipping at the heels of Boston for the top spot in the American League East thanks to their power display, one they hope will continue in the finale of a three-game home series Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees rode homers from Aaron Hicks, Kyle Higashioka and Giancarlo Stanton for an 8-5 victory Tuesday, giving New York 19 homers in its past nine games and helping it win for the fifth time in that stretch.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 in MLB

Yankee Stadium has been kind to the Yankees, who own the majors' best home record at 32-13 and have won 27 of their past 35 contests at home since April 21. New York rebounded from a disappointing 5-3 11-inning loss in Monday's series opener against the National League East leaders, taking advantage of two bases-loaded walks and a wild pitch that plated a run in building a 6-0 lead after four innings. The Braves saw their four-game winning streak end but battled back to make it close, getting homers from Ender Inciarte, Ozzie Albies and Nick Markakis to rally to within one run before Stanton's blast in the eighth. Third baseman Johan Camargo brings a nine-game hitting streak into the series finale, batting .359 during that stretch as Atlanta looks for its fifth victory in six games of a 10-game roadtrip in the series finale.

See all MLB game previews and predictions



TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (6-5, 4.21 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.02)

The one constant about Teheran's season has been inconsistency as the Braves hope the 27-year-old can string together back-to-back solid starts. He gave up just two hits in six shutout innings to beat St. Louis on Friday, six days after giving up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Baltimore - which was preceded by six no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts against the Mets. Teheran is limiting hitters to a .206 average but has allowed 15 homers in 87 2/3 innings.

Sabathia makes his 525th career start and the 37-year-old looks to continue pitching like a frontline starter. He rebounded from a shaky May (5.92 ERA in five starts) to post a 1.93 ERA in June, striking out 28 and walking only seven in 32 2/3 innings, and finished the month by allowing just two earned runs in 12 1/3 innings across his final two outings. Sabathia, who is holding left-handed batters to a .183 average, is 3-1 in four starts lifetime against Atlanta but has not faced the Braves since 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RHP Aroldis Chapman pitched for the third consecutive day Tuesday, earning his 24th save.

2. Stanton's homer makes him the 11th player ever to hit 20-plus homers in each of his first nine MLB seasons.

3. Atlanta activated RHP Arodys Vizcaino (right shoulder inflammation) - who leads the team with 15 saves - from the disabled list before Tuesday's game.

PREDICTION: Yankees 3, Braves 1

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

The Tampa Bay Rays went 13 innings without scoring Tuesday but they made the wait worth it by winning the longest road game in franchise history -- a 9-6 victory over the Miami Marlins in 16 innings. It will be a short turnaround for both clubs as Tampa Bay goes for its fourth straight series win in Wednesday afternoon's rubber match of the three-game set.

San Diego Padres vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 in MLB

Rookie first baseman Jake Bauers, who was 1-for-15 in his previous six games, delivered a tiebreaking two-run double to ignite a five-run 16th for the Rays, who had led 4-0 after two innings. Daniel Robertson (3-for-5) also had a two-run double in the decisive frame and was matched by Adeiny Hechavarria with three hits as Tampa Bay collected 20 in all to win for the ninth time in 11 games. Second baseman Starlin Castro is 6-for-11 in the series and 17-for-37 over his last nine games for the Marlins, who set a franchise record by playing at least three 15-inning games in one season. The marathon loss, which took 5 hours, 31 minutes, assured Miami of keeping one streak intact -- the Marlins have yet to sweep a series this season.


TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (2-9, 4.40)

Tampa Bay's bullpen was so taxed that manager Kevin Cash used catcher Jesus Sucre to open the bottom of the 16th inning Tuesday. Andriese pitched in the series opener against the Marlins, allowing one hit over two scoreless innings -- a marked improvement after he was tagged for six runs and seven hits over his previous two appearances. He is holding left-handed hitters to a .176 average.

Urena, who has been sidelined with a shoulder impingement, will come off the disabled list to make his first start since giving up five runs over 5 2/3 innings in a loss at San Francisco on June 20. He earned both of his wins in his previous three starts, including eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball at Baltimore on June 15. Urena has a 1.59 ERA in six relief outings versus the Rays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RF Brian Anderson had an RBI single -- his major league-leading 33rd hit with runners in scoring position.

2. Rays LH Vidal Nuno appeared to hurt his hamstring on an RBI single in the 16th and is likely headed to the disabled list.

3. Miami placed RH Sandy Alcantara on 10-day DL with a right axillary infection.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Rays 4

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San Diego Padres vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i

The Oakland Athletics look to record their 14th victory in 17 games when they host the San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their two-game interleague set. Oakland produced a 6-2 win in the series opener as Jed Lowrie delivered a key three-run double to continue his standout campaign.

Lowrie is hoping to make an All-Star team for the first time in his career as he has hit 14 homers while leading the team with a .293 batting average and 59 RBIs. "It would be the icing on the cake," the 34-year-old Lowrie told reporters after Tuesday's game. "I feel like I've been close a couple times and haven't been there, so that would be something I would always be able to say." While Oakland is streaking, the Padres are sliding downward with 12 setbacks in their last 15 games. Leadoff hitter Travis Jankowski recorded his third multi-hit performance of the season for San Diego on Tuesday and also stole his 13th base.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (1-2, 8.36 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (8-6, 3.38)

Perdomo is being recalled from Triple-A El Paso to make his fifth start of the season. The 25-year-old allowed 26 hits and nine walks in four April outings as opponents batted .400 against him before he was demoted. Perdomo, who never has faced Oakland, is 8-11 with a 4.83 ERA in 35 career road appearances (27 starts).

Manaea has won three straight starts and is unbeaten in his last five turns. The 26-year-old has posted a 2.84 ERA during the unbeaten stretch and has pitched six or more innings in each of his last four outings. Manaea is 4-0 with a 3.05 ERA in six daytime starts this season and has won his last 10 day-game decisions dating back to last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics RHP Trevor Cahill (elbow) will make another rehab appearance on either Sunday or Monday as the plan is for him to rejoin the team sometime next week.

2. San Diego placed Kirby Yates on the paternity list and recalled fellow RHP Colten Brewer from Triple-A El Paso.

3. Oakland activated 3B Matt Chapman (hand) from the 10-day disabled list - he went 0-for-3 on Tuesday - and optioned 2B Franklin Barreto to Triple-A Nashville.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Padres 4

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Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i

The Chicago Cubs will aim for a sixth consecutive win overall and a fifth in a row against an American League Central opponent when they wrap up a two-game set against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. The Cubs have tied their high-water mark for the season at 13 games above .500 and are one game behind Milwaukee in the National League Central.

New York Mets vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 in MLB

Chicago rallied to beat the Tigers 5-3 on Tuesday, matching its season high with a fifth straight win and improving to 34-17 in interleague play since the start of 2016. The win was the Cubs' 25th comeback victory -- most in the majors -- a total that includes each of their last six victories. Detroit has dropped 12 of its last 14 games overall and has scored three or fewer runs in six of its last seven. The Tigers are 1-8 against National League opponents this season, but they're 9-3 all-time at Wrigley Field.

See all MLB game previews and predictions

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-4, 3.99 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (6-6, 4.31)

Liriano is winless in seven starts since April 28 and has lost his last three outings. The 34-year-old has allowed six runs over 10 innings in two starts since returning from the disabled list, including a quality start (six innings, three runs) in a loss at Toronto on Friday. Liriano is 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA in 14 starts against the Cubs.

Quintana went winless in five starts in June, but the Cubs were 3-2 in those games. The 29-year-old allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings Thursday at Los Angeles, but the Cubs had to rally after he left the game to beat the Dodgers. Quintana is 5-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 18 starts against the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant was eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, but he could remain sidelined until Friday after experiencing discomfort in his left shoulder after taking batting practice.

2. Detroit starting pitchers have thrown six or more innings in seven consecutive games - the team's longest streak since Aug. 1-7, 2014.

3. Chicago RHP Carl Edwards Jr., who has been on the disabled list since May 30 with right shoulder inflammation, will make at least one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa before rejoining the Cubs' bullpen.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Tigers 4

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New York Mets vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i
Marcus Stroman opened the season by giving up at least four runs in six of his first seven starts but he has looked like the pitcher who won 13 games a year ago since coming off a 6 1/2-week stint on the disabled list. Stroman and the Toronto Blue Jays go for a sweep of a two-game interleague series versus the visiting New York Mets on Wednesday night.


The Blue Jays will be hoping for a solid outing from Stroman after starter Marco Estrada faced only four batters and was forced to leave Tuesday's dramatic 8-6 comeback win due to hip soreness. Yangervis Solarte belted a tying three-run homer and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. added a go-ahead two-run shot as Toronto erased a five-run deficit despite having to use seven relievers. Asdr�bal Cabrera and Devin Mesoraco each had two-run blasts as New York built leads of 5-0 and 6-1 before tumbling to its 11th loss in 13 games. Former Blue Jay Jose Bautista reached base four times for the Mets on a single and three walks in his first game at Rogers Centre since leaving Toronto.


TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), TVAS, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Corey Oswalt (0-1, 9.82 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (1-5, 6.02)

Oswalt had a rough baptism by fire in his first major-league start, forced to fill in on short notice when ace Jacob deGrom was a late scratch on June 29 at Miami. Oswalt lasted only 2 2/3 innings and was pounded by the Marlins for six runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs. He was solid in relief in his major-league debut on April 25, allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Stroman, who lost four consecutive starts before going on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue, returned with five scoreless innings in a no-decision at the Los Angeles Angels on June 23. He followed that up with seven strong innings versus Detroit on Friday, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits to earn his first win. Todd Frazier is 1-for-4 with a home run off Stroman.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets DH Wilmer Flores hit a solo homer to extend his hitting streak to a career-best 10 games.

2. Solarte ended a 13-game homer drought with his 16th of the year, two shy of his career high.

3. Mets RHP Robert Gsellman has blown a major league-leading six saves.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Mets 3

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Chicago White Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i
Avisail Garcia is showing quite the power display since returning from a hamstring injury. After going deep in the series opener on Monday, Garcia launched a pair of solo shots to help the Chicago White Sox (30-55) even the interleague series against the Cincinnati Reds (37-49) heading into Wednesday's finale at Great American Ball Park.

Garcia, who is riding a career-high 13-game hitting streak, went deep in the sixth and ninth innings to improve to 5-for-10 in the series and 19-for-52 with six homers and nine RBIs in 12 contests since returning from injury. Yoan Moncada joined Garcia with three hits on Tuesday and five in the series after ripping a bases-clearing triple in the 12th inning before coming around to score on Yolmer Sanchez's triple in a 12-8 victory. While Chicago rallied to its sixth win in 19 outings overall, it did little to cool off Cincinnati's red-hot bats as the Reds have scored 33 runs over their last four contests. Eugenio Suarez had one of his team's three homers to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he has scored six times and driven in five runs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Chicago, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Covey (3-3, 4.82 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (4-8, 5.30)

Covey fell to 0-2 with a 12.71 ERA in his last three starts after getting blitzed for nine runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings of an 11-3 setback at Texas. The 26-year-old was taken deep on four occasions in that contest and six times in his last three outings after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous six trips to the mound. Covey will be making his 28th career appearance and first versus Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Romano sustained his first loss since June 6 despite permitting just two runs in five innings of an 8-2 setback versus Milwaukee. The 24-year-old was taken deep in that contest and has yielded eight homers in his last eight trips to the mound. Romano has fared better at Great American Ball Park, with his ERA (4.77) nearly a run and a half less than on the road while limiting the opposition to a .248 batting average.


WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett has six hits -- including a homer -- and five runs scored in his last three games.

2. Chicago SS Tim Anderson has seven multi-hit performances during a stretch in which he has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 contests.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 0-for-9 with four strikeouts in the series.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, White Sox 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

The Houston Astros continue to dominate their in-state neighbors and look for more success when they host the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Houston halted its three-game overall skid by posting a 5-3 victory in the opener of the two-game series and is a stellar 11-4 against the Rangers this season.


Josh Reddick and Tony Kemp each homered in Tuesday's victory as the Astros went deep in their 23rd consecutive road game, which is four shy of the major-league record set by Oakland earlier this season. Catcher Max Stassi might be unavailable Wednesday after leaving in the first inning with a bruised right hand, although the Astros announced that X-rays were negative. Houston has won seven straight games at Globe Life Park and 12 of its last 13. Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-3 with two walks for Texas to reach base in his 43rd consecutive contest, three shy of the single-season franchise mark held by Julio Franco (1993).



TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (9-2, 2.50 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (6-4, 4.64)

Cole is drawing the start after Houston shuffled its rotation and moved Lance McCullers Jr. back in order to give him more rest. The 27-year-old Cole had his streak of seven straight victorious decisions halted in his last turn, when he gave up three runs - one earned - and five hits over six innings in a loss to Tampa Bay. Cole has allowed just eight hits while going 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 20 innings in three starts against the Rangers this season and is 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four career outings.

Minor has been superb while winning his last two starts as he allowed one run and four hits over 13 innings in the triumphs. The 30-year-old was 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts last month, limiting opposing batters to a .170 batting average. Minor is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three starts against Houston this season and 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in nine career appearances (six starts).


WALK-OFFS

1. Astros C Brian McCann (knee), who will undergo surgery and miss four to six weeks, was placed on the 10-day disabled list, RHP Joe Smith (elbow) was activated from the DL, 1B AJ Reed was optioned to Triple-A Fresno and C Tim Federowicz was recalled from the same affiliate.

2. Texas activated 1B Ronald Guzman from the concussion list and optioned RHP Chris Martin to Triple-A Round Rock.

3. Houston's rotation shuffling leaves ace RHP Justin Verlander slated to start on July 15, making him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game two days later.

PREDICTION: Astros 9, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

Aaron Nola is giving fans of the Philadelphia Phillies a reason to smile every time he takes the mound at Citizens Bank Park. The right-hander aims to remain undefeated at home on Wednesday as the surging Phillies (46-37) bid to complete an abbreviated two-game interleague sweep of the slumping Baltimore Orioles (24-60).


"I think it's everything. The fans, the mound. It just feels good," Nola said of his dominance at Citizens Bank Park, where he owns a 7-0 mark with a slim 1.77 ERA this season while limiting the opposition to a .201 batting average. Backup catcher Andrew Knapp came through with the key hit in back-to-back contests, as he followed his game-winning homer in the 13th inning of Sunday's 4-3 win over Washington with a go-ahead RBI triple in the fourth of Tuesday's 3-2 triumph. While Philadelphia has won 11 of 16 to move to within 2.5 games of first-place Atlanta, Baltimore has dropped eight of nine to strengthen its status as the majors' worst team. Mark Trumbo is doing his best to pick up his beleaguered club, belting his third solo homer in two contests in the series-opening loss.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN2 (Baltimore), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yefry Ramirez (0-1, 2.89 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (10-2, 2.48)

Ramirez will make his second start of the season after lasting just 4 1/3 innings in a 5-1 loss against Boston on June 13. The 24-year-old Dominican tuned up for this outing by scattering three hits over five scoreless frames in relief of a no-decision against Seattle on Thursday. Ramirez, who takes the place of David Hess' spot in the rotation, favored his changeup en route to recording a 3.88 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A Norfolk this season.

Nola improved to 4-0 in his last seven outings on Thursday after allowing one run while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings of a 4-3 victory over Washington. The 25-year-old retired 11 straight Nationals at one point while limiting the club to one extra-base hit before sweating out a shaky bullpen performance for his 10th win of the season. Nola will make his first appearance against Baltimore, although he has flustered Jace Peterson (1-for-10).


WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore SS Manny Machado, who reportedly is in the sights of Philadelphia ahead of the trade deadline, had a double in the opener to extend his hitting streak to six games.

2. Phillies OF Rhys Hoskins' two-run double in the third inning was his fifth extra-base hit (three homers, two doubles) in his last six contests.

3. Former Philadelphia OF Shane Victorino will sign a one-day contract and retire with the team next month while Orioles OF Colby Rasmus is set to announce his retirement after being placed on the restricted list on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Orioles 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

The Seattle Mariners seek their ninth consecutive victory Wednesday as they host the American League West-rival Los Angeles Angels for the middle contest of their three-game set. Seattle posted a 4-1 triumph in the series opener, scoring three times in the first inning en route to improving to 4-0 on its nine-game homestand.


Kyle Seager delivered a two-run double and Nelson Cruz belted a solo homer for the Mariners, who have allowed fewer than three runs in four of their last five contests. Los Angeles managed only four hits in its eighth loss in 10 games, although three went for extra bases. Andrelton Simmons accounted for the Angels' only run with a homer, giving him a hit in nine of his last 10 contests. Los Angeles welcomed back two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani from an elbow injury as he was activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's loss and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as the designated hitter.


TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (4-4, 3.42 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-4, 4.01)

Richards has recovered from his strained hamstring and is expected to be activated from the disabled list to make his first start since June 13, when he allowed two runs and four hits over two innings of a no-decision at Seattle. The 30-year-old Californian has gone 0-3 in seven turns since his last victory, a triumph - again at Seattle - in which he scattered four hits over 6 2/3 scoreless frames. Richards owns a 6-4 record and 3.05 ERA in 12 career starts and eight relief appearances against the Mariners.

Leake settled for a no-decision at Baltimore on Thursday in which he allowed only two runs and five hits over seven innings. The 30-year-old, who also hails from the Golden State, has won five of his last six decisions and has given up fewer than three runs in eight of his last 10 overall turns. Leake improved to 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA in four career starts against the Angels on June 12, when he yielded one run on four hits and three walks in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels OF Chris Young left Tuesday's game in the first inning with a strained left hamstring and could be sidelined for a while.

2. Seattle signed LHP Wade LeBlanc, who worked seven strong innings in the series opener to notch the win, to a contract extension through 2019 with club options through 2022.

3. Los Angeles recalled Miguel Almonte from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned fellow RHPs Eduardo Paredes and Deck McGuire to the Bees.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Angels 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 i
The Milwaukee Brewers might have mixed emotions Wednesday, knowing it's the last time this season they'll face the Minnesota Twins. The Brewers have won four of five meetings in the season series, which wraps up when Milwaukee tries to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Twins.


Milwaukee continued its dominance over Minnesota with a 2-0 win Tuesday, becoming the first National League team to reach 50 wins and maintaining a one-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. The win clinched a series victory for the Brewers, who had split their previous four sets. The Twins have lost 10 of their last 12 games and have just one win on their nine-game road trip that wraps up Wednesday. Minnesota managed only two hits Tuesday, wasting a strong pitching performance from a staff that has struggled to produce them of late - the Twins had allowed six or more runs in nine of their previous 11 contests.


TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (8-6, 3.52 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.18)

Berrios is coming off his worst outing of the season after allowing six runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Cubs on Friday. The 24-year-old had permitted a total of four runs in his previous four starts and had posted quality starts in seven of his previous eight outings. Berrios has struggled on the road, where he's 2-4 with a 4.93 ERA in seven starts.

Anderson hasn't lived up to the expectations created by last year's breakout campaign, but he showed signs of coming around in June. The 30-year-old has allowed one run or fewer and two or fewer hits in three of his last four starts, including a win at Cincinnati on Friday in which he gave up one run and two hits over six innings. Anderson hasn't pitched well at home this season, going 3-3 with a 5.29 ERA in nine starts after he was 5-1 with a 2.51 ERA at Miller Park a year ago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee has homered in nine consecutive games for the first time since last August and has slugged 14 homers during the streak.

2. Twins SS Jorge Polanco was 1-for-4 with a double Tuesday and is 1-for-8 since returning from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

3. Brewers SS Brad Miller is 10-for-28 during an eight-game hitting streak and has hit safely in nine of 11 games since joining the club.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Brewers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to complete a punishing sweep when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for the finale of their three-game series. The Dodgers belted six homers in Tuesday's 8-3 victory and have outscored Pittsburgh 25-4 in the first two contests.

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-04-2018 in MLB

Max Muncy has hit three home runs in the series - including two on Tuesday - and Chris Taylor, who also went deep, recorded three hits and two RBIs for the second straight night. Los Angeles has hit 10 homers among 32 hits in the series and has launched a National League-leading 122 blasts on the season. Matt Kemp was hitless in four at-bats and struck out three times after going 5-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs in the series opener. The Pirates have dropped nine of their last 13 games to fall five games below .500.


TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Clay Holmes (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-3, 4.68)

Pittsburgh needs a starter after placing Joe Musgrove (finger) on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday. The Pirates are expected to turn to Holmes, who has not pitched since he tossed two hitless innings of relief against Arizona on June 24. Before his recall, Holmes went 6-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts) for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Hill struck out a season-high 10 batters in 6 2/3 innings against Colorado in his last turn but was the hard-luck loser after giving up one run and six hits. The 38-year-old has registered 21 strikeouts and issued three walks in 17 2/3 frames since returning from a back injury. Hill is 2-3 with a 3.25 ERA in nine career starts against the Pirates.


WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles OF Joc Pederson homered in each of the first two games of the series and has gone deep in four of his last nine contests.

2. Pittsburgh recalled Dovydas Neverauskas from Indianapolis and optioned fellow RHP Tanner Anderson to the same affiliate.

3. Muncy is 14-for-37 with seven homers and eight RBIs over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 8, Pirates 5